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University of Cambridge > Engineering Department > MMD > Mechanics Colloquia

Mechanics Colloquia

An occasional cross-disciplinary seminar series
(Information and directions for visitors)

Abstracts

Mechanics of glass blowing

Professor A.C. Palmer
CUED


The ancient and fascinating craft of hand glass blowing raises several interesting questions in applied mechanics. The glass blower forms the work by a controlled and subtle interaction between forces applied by pressure, gravity, tools, surface tension and centrifugal force, and works both with large viscous deformations and controlled fracture. This colloquium will explore some of the interactions as they apply in practice. It will be illustrated by videos.

© 2005 Cambridge University Engineering Dept